• Read the fine print and ask questions BEFORE you sign the lease!  Once you sign the lease, you are legally bound to it. 

• Don’t sign the written lease if it is different from what you verbally agreed to.

• Make sure the Landlord explains all the rules of the property before you sign the lease.

• Check with your Landlord regarding any limitations to the number of unrelated tenants that can live together the house or apartment you are considering.

• If you have to pay upfront get a receipt showing what that payment is for – security deposit, first month’s rent, etc.

•  What age do you have to be to sign a lease and does a parent have to co-sign with you?

• Make sure the amount of the lease is what you agreed to.

• Most security deposits are limited to the amount of one month’s rent.

• Make sure you leave a forwarding address when you leave so the security deposit can be mailed to you.  The Landlord has 35 days after the end of the lease to refund the deposit.

• Know the length of the lease (6 months, 12months, etc).

• Does everyone living in the house or apartment need to sign the lease?

• Can you get out of your lease? Is there a fee for this?

• Get any changes to the lease in writing, signed and dated by the tenant and the Landlord.

• Are you able to sublease if needed? Is there a fee for subleasing?

• Know when you can move in and when you have to move out?

• Know what the lease says about the end of the lease or termination.

• Are pets allowed? If yes, know what kind and size of pets are allowed.

• When is the rent due and when is it considered late?

• Are there fees for late payment and if so, how much?

• Know what the lease says about damages and repairs and who is responsible for paying for repairs.

• Who is responsible for maintenance? What is the tenant responsible for?  (ex. - light bulbs in ceiling fixtures)

• If there is a yard, who is responsible for upkeep of the yard/lawn?

• It is a good idea to see the actual apartment that you will be moving into (occupied or not).

Current News:

Considering living off campus next year? 
Attend the Off-Campus Housing Fair and find what you’re looking for!
Rental properties from across the Tuscaloosa/Northport area will be represented at the fair.
January 14, 2009
10:30am – 1:30pm
Ferguson Center Main Floor